Exploring the relationship between adverse working environments and poor psychological states of Chinese workers: A comprehensive study

Abstract

BackgroundEmployee mental health is linked with job satisfaction and productivity. However, there is a notable lack of empirical evidence regarding the adverse effects of Hazardous Work Environments (HWE) on employee mental health, indicating a significant gap in occupational health research. MethodsData from the China Family Panel Studies involving 9972 participants were utilized. Mental health was assessed using the Kessler 6 Psychological Distress Scale at baseline and the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale at follow-up. Associations between HWE exposure and mental health were explored cross-sectionally at baseline plus mediation analyses for the influence of sleep duration. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the longitudinal implications of HWE exposure. FindingsParticipants exposed to HWE showed a higher risk of having serious psychological distress (OR (95%CI): 1.47 (1.29–1.69)) cross-sectionally at baseline, and this risk rose with increased number of HWE elements (1.30 (1.11–1.52) and 2.18 (1.75–2.72) for 1–2 and ≥ 3 elements, respectively). Longitudinally, HWE exposure was associated with an increased risk of depression (HR (95%CI): 1.10 (1.07–1.14)). Similarly, this risk risen with increased number of HWE elements (1.08 (1.06–1.09) and 1.20 (1.05–1.38) for 1–2 and ≥ 3 elements, respectively) and longer duration of exposure (1.01 (1.00–1.01)). Short sleep duration emerged as a significant mediator between HWE exposure and psychological distress. InterpretationThis study illuminates a robust association between HWE exposure and psychological distress, especially under prolonged and multiple exposures. We advocate for rigorous mental health monitoring and interventions for workers in adverse working environments. FundingCSTB2023NSCQ-BHX0042 and cffkyqdj.